School Groups

Bring your class to the Zoo for an exciting animal program! Presentations are held in the Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center by appointment through the Zoo's Education Coordinator at (701) 223-7543. From September through April, programs are available on Fridays only. We ask that you call at least two weeks in advance to increase chances of a Docent or Zookeeper’s availability to give a presentation. Due to prior commitments, there may be times that programs are not available. We will do our best to honor your request for a given day. In case of cancellation, notify our Education Coordinator at least one day in advance, if possible.

We look forward to welcoming your class to the Zoo for an exciting and educational visit. Here are just a few tips to help us get your group through the gate and out to the animals without delay.

Admission rates for school groups this season will be $2.75 per person (including teachers, chaperones, bus drivers, etc.) In order to get the education rate, you must call in advance and fill out the Dakota Zoo Field Trip Request Form. If neither of these have been done, your group will get charged full admission prices. It is helpful if money is collected in advance and enclosed in an envelope to allow for quicker service at the admission window. Please fill out the section of the Dakota Zoo School Group Request Form that allows you to list the people who have a Dakota Zoo membership.

Please call us in advance at (701) 223-7543 with the date you plan to visit and the size of your group. When you call, please let us know if you would like to ride the train ($2.50 per person), purchase concessions or want the gift shop available. When calling to arrange a visit, please note that the admissions area is not staffed on a daily basis when the Zoo is operating on winter hours. Please leave a message and our admissions or education coordinator will return your call to confirm your visit. You may now avoid playing phone tag and book your class trip online-see link below for details.

We look forward to sharing the many wonders that nature and our Zoo have to offer!